How Instagram Changed Matthew Noszka’s Life

FROM INSTAGRAM WITH LOVE. Scouted on Instagram, Matthew Noszka represents a new crop of millennial models who are as famous on the social media as on print

The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been more relevant than today, where any photo can be seen by thousands—if not millions—of people. Take Matthew Noszka, a world-renowned model who has become the face Ports 1961’s and Dsquared2’s spring/summer campaigns, was seen on the runways of Moschino and Philipp Plein, and appeared on a number of high-profile editorials. And that’s just what he’s accomplished in 2017!

As crazy as it might sound, all that started with a single Instagram post. And it wasn’t even staged. But that one picture was seen by Luke Simone, a representative of Wilhelmina Models (which, in turn, represents figures such as Nick Jonas and Shawn Mendes), and he saw Noszka’s potential. The rest, as they say, is history—and this particular bit of history includes a contract with Nike signed within days of Noszka’s “discovery,” an appearance at Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and a modeling career that many can only dream of.

DA MAN: Hi, Matthew, thanks for taking the time for this interview. Let’s start off with the most important part: Can you tell us about the Instagram post that sparked your modeling career?Matthew Noszka: I was building a deck for my mother and posed a progress photo in front of the deck. I was shirtless in just some beat up boots and jean shorts.

DA MAN: What was it that ultimately convinced you to give this modeling thing a go?Matthew Noszka: It wasn’t really anything particular. I just had a feeling and went with it.

DA MAN: Things went really fast after your post got noticed, and you posted your first BTS photo just a couple of weeks later. What went through your head as you transitioned from working odd jobs to doing photo shoots for Versace in such a short span of time?Matthew Noszka: I truly didn’t think much of it. I was more focused on getting use to the new environments and concentrating on how to excel at every opportunity that came my way.

DA MAN: Besides landing a gig for Versace, Nike and so on, you also ended up on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” not long afterwards. What was it like at the time?Matthew Noszka: It was absolutely incredible. Ellen is such an amazing woman and someone I look up to. I admire her soul and aspire to lead my life like her in many ways.

DA MAN: In hindsight, do you think you’d have ever considered going into modeling if it weren’t for that one photo being discovered by Luke Simone?Matthew Noszka: No, I was pursuing a professional basketball career. I had no intentions [to go into] modeling. However, acting became an interest of mine.

DA MAN: You were discovered through social media. Does your online presence still play a big role in your career today?Matthew Noszka: Yes, social media plays a large role in my life. It’s a quick resume for clients to review and potential advertising space for many brands.